Correct Craft Ski Nautique

Correct Craft Golden Age 1961-present $15,000-$45,000 (vintage)

Why it matters

Correct Craft invented the modern ski boat. The Ski Nautique was designed from the keel up to pull skiers — perfect wakes, ideal speed curves, steady pull. Every water skiing world record for decades was set behind a Nautique. Orlando's Correct Craft made water skiing a sport.

Specifications

Hull Material Mahogany planking (early) or fiberglass (later)
Length 18-20 ft
Beam 7 ft 2 in
Draft 2 ft
Weight 2,000-2,400 lbs
Engine Ford, Chrysler, or purpose-built ski engine
Engine Type inboard
Horsepower 240-350 hp
Passengers 8
Production Thousands built (ongoing)

Notable Features

  • Purpose-built ski hull
  • Perfect ski wakes
  • Tournament heritage
  • Orlando roots

Patina notes

Vintage Nautiques show their sport in the pylon wear, the observer seat patina, and the transom markings from thousands of rope pulls. Early mahogany examples are increasingly rare. The transition to fiberglass preserved the brand's performance while changing the character.

Preservation reality

Early mahogany Nautiques are collectible but rare. Fiberglass examples from the 1970s-80s are more common and still excellent ski boats. Budget $25,000-$35,000 for a restored vintage example. The active water ski community provides strong support.

Clubs

  • Correct Craft Owners Association
  • USA Water Ski

Events

  • Correct Craft Owners Reunion
  • Winter Haven Water Festival

Sources